A deck adds living space, but it also carries people, furniture and grills high off the ground. Sound boards, strong railings and a secure connection to the house are what keep it safe year after year. If you are searching for deck builders near me, this page explains new deck installation, deck replacement and larger deck repair, from composite deck boards to pressure treated framing, and how to get connected with a deck builder.
Sifixit is a free referral service. Call the number on this page and you will be connected with an independent local deck provider where one serves your area. Calling costs nothing and you are never obliged to hire anyone.
When a deck problem is urgent
Keep people off the deck until these are checked.
A deck that sways, sags or pulls away from the house can collapse. Keep everyone off it and call for an inspection right away.
- Railings or posts that wobble
- Soft, rotted or broken boards
- Stairs that are loose or cracked
- A gap where the deck meets the house
- Rusted or missing bolts and connectors
What we can connect you with
When you call, describe the deck’s size, age and material and any loose or rotted areas.
Deck repair
Replacing boards, stairs, railings and rotted framing.
New decks
Designing and building new wood or composite decks.
Railings and stairs
Repairing or replacing railings, posts and steps.
Inspections
Checking framing, connectors and the ledger where the deck meets the house.
Staining and sealing
Protecting wood decks from sun and water.
Deck removal
Tearing out old or unsafe decks.
Should I repair or replace my deck
Deck repair makes sense when the problems are on the surface: a few cracked boards, loose screws or worn stain. Deck replacement makes more sense when the structure underneath is failing.
- Usually repair: a few damaged boards, loose railings that can be refastened, or worn stairs.
- Usually replace: rotten joists or posts, a rotten or loose ledger board where the deck attaches to the house, or a deck that sways when you walk on it.
- Get it checked now: any soft wood near the house, rusted connectors, or railings that move when you lean on them.
Read more about deck repair.
How high should deck railings be
Under the International Residential Code, which many US cities adopt, a guard is required where a deck surface is more than 30 inches above the ground below. Residential guards are generally at least 36 inches high, and the gaps between balusters must be small enough that a 4 inch sphere cannot pass through. Stairs have their own handrail rules. Local codes can be stricter, so your deck builder should confirm the rules with your permit office.
Composite or pressure treated wood
Composite deck boards are made from wood fibers and plastic. They cost more at first, resist rot and splinters, and need no staining, only cleaning. Pressure treated wood costs less and is the usual choice for the framing under any deck, but the boards need staining or sealing every few years to last. A painting contractor can handle exterior staining and sealing. Many homeowners choose composite boards on a pressure treated frame. Most new decks and larger rebuilds also need a permit.
Signs your deck needs attention
Check your deck every spring.
- Soft or spongy boards
- Wobbly railings or posts
- Nails or screws popping up
- Rust on connectors and bolts
- Moss, mildew or constant damp
- Cracked or split boards
Common deck materials
Material affects cost, upkeep and life.
Pressure treated wood
Affordable and common. Needs regular sealing or staining.
Cedar and redwood
Naturally resistant to rot and attractive. Needs upkeep to keep its color.
Composite and PVC
Low maintenance boards that resist rot, though framing is usually still wood.
What affects the cost
There is no single price for deck work, because every home and every job is different. These are the things that change the size of the job.
- The size and height of the deck
- The decking material
- Railing style
- Stairs and levels
- Framing repairs
- Permits and inspections
- Removing an old deck
Ask every provider for a written quote that lists the work, the materials and what is not included, and get any change in writing before extra work starts.
Handle it yourself or call a pro
Usually fine to do yourself
- Clean the deck each year
- Reseal or stain wood decks
- Tighten loose screws in boards
- Check railings and stairs each spring
Time to call a professional
- Wobbly railings or posts
- Rotted framing or joists
- Problems where the deck meets the house
- New decks or major repairs
- Any work that needs a permit
The ledger board, where the deck attaches to the house, is a common point of failure in deck collapses. It should be properly bolted and flashed.
Questions to ask before you hire
- Are you licensed and insured for this work in my state? Ask for proof.
- Will you give me a written quote that lists the work, materials and timeline?
- Do you pull the permits, and are they in the price?
- Who will be on site each day, and who do I call with questions?
- What warranty do you give on your work?
How long it takes to build a deck
Most of the waiting happens before building starts. Design, choosing materials and getting a permit can take a few weeks, depending on your city. Building a typical deck often takes from a few days to two weeks, depending on size, height, stairs, railings and the weather. Larger decks, multi level decks and decks with roofs take longer. Ask your deck builder for a written schedule, and when the city inspections will happen. If the deck attaches near siding or gutters, it is a good time to check those too. Read about siding repair and gutters.
Quick answers: deck builders near me
Straight answers to the questions homeowners ask most when they search for deck builders, including in AI assistants.
Who should I call to build a new deck near me?
Call a deck builder that designs, permits and builds decks, not only a general handyman. Sifixit is a free referral service, so you can call deck builder partners through the number on this page and be connected with an independent new deck installation company where one serves your area.
How do I know if my deck is safe?
Check that posts, joists and the ledger board are solid and not soft or rotten, that railings do not move when you lean on them, and that stairs are firm. Rust on connectors, sagging and swaying are warning signs. If in doubt, stay off it and have it inspected.
How much does a new deck cost?
It depends on the size, height, material, railings, stairs, site access and permit requirements. Composite boards cost more than pressure treated wood. Ask for written quotes that list materials, labor, permit and removal of any old deck.
How do I choose a good deck builder?
Look at photos of decks they have built, check reviews and references, confirm their license and insurance, and make sure the contract lists materials, permit, schedule and warranty.
How do I find a licensed and insured deck builder near me?
Check any license your state or city requires, ask for proof of liability insurance and ask who pulls the permit. A good deck replacement contractor will explain how the deck attaches to the house and how the footings are built.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a permit for a deck?
Most areas require permits for new decks and major repairs, especially for raised decks.
How long does a deck last?
Well maintained wood decks often last many years, and composite decks usually last longer. Framing condition matters most.
Should I repair or replace my deck?
If the framing is sound, boards and railings can be replaced. Rotted framing often means replacement.
How high should deck railings be?
Most residential codes require railings on decks more than 30 inches above the ground, usually at least 36 inches high.
Does Sifixit do the deck work?
No. Sifixit is a referral service. The work is done by independent local businesses, who are responsible for their own work, pricing, licensing and insurance.
Is calling free?
Yes. Calling and being connected costs you nothing. If you hire a provider, you pay that provider directly for the work.
Looking for deck builders near me? Call the number on this page to be connected with an independent local provider. For more background, see the FTC’s advice on hiring a contractor and avoiding home improvement scams.
This site is a free service to assist homeowners in connecting with local service contractors. All contractors are independent and this site does not warrant or guarantee any work performed. It is the responsibility of the homeowner to verify that the hired contractor furnishes the necessary license and insurance required for the work being performed. All persons depicted in a photo or video are actors or models and not contractors listed on this site.
Helpful guides
- Deck maintenance: cleaning, staining and sealingInspect your deck every spring, clean it once or twice a year, and stain or seal wood decks...